The Writing Barn is situated in a large, wooded plot in south Austin. When we arrived for the mixer Friday night there was a magical atmosphere to the place. Cool and misty with a herd of deer wandering about -- like something out of a fairy tale. (Sadly, the herd eluded my camera.)

Saturday morning started with a lecture on Emotional Pacing from Sara Zarr. (One little tidbit from Sara's lecture as written in my notes: "It helps to have some understanding of human psychology, for this can deepen the story. Co-dependent No More is a great craft book!" Who knew? I'm definitely getting a copy.)

Sam Bond's photo of Sara Zarr truly captures her sassy charm, don't you think? I already had an author crush on Sara--I adore her books--but now I know how warm and funny and REAL she is in person. Yay!

After lunch we gathered for the afternoon workshop. Oy. This is where I confess that I've never truly workshopped a piece of writing before. I have critique partners, of course, and we get excellent work done, but we've all known each other for years and are comfortable giving feedback. I'd never done this with people I hadn't met before. Each piece was allowed 30 minutes for discussion, starting with positive feedback and then transitioning to concerns and suggestions for improvement. Intense! And incredibly illuminating. (The workshop continued all day Sunday.)

Our esteemed hostess, Bethany Hegedus, took this photo. We are standing on the site of a future building that will house eight people for a writing retreat. As Christina Mandelski said, "If you build it, they will come!"

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon at Dragonmoon Tea Company with friends Brandi, Michelle (who was visiting from Tennessee), and Ange. This was our third year of taking tea together in Tulsa. May the tradition go on and on!

Cedric always joined us for tea, but he preferred Michelle's company to mine. As a keen lapstalker, he knows a cuddly warm napping spot when he sees it!

*Speaking of Persuasion, I would love to indulge in a fantasy casting of a new, let's say, three-part BBC adaptation, but perhaps that's best for another post? I'll still take suggestions in the comments below. Persuasion really should be given the screentime it's due, don't you think? I'm raring for a re-read.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Here in central Oklahoma it often feels like we go straight from summer to a very brief winter before spring comes 'round again. When the thermometer hits 80 in March, I panic -- 100+ temps can't be too far off, right?

And yet . . . on days like Saturday, I have to admit that spring is our prettiest season.

Some proof:

Spring is also nice because it's when my dear friend Michelle comes to visit. Huzzah!

P.S. I experienced several years of looooong winters in Milwaukee (with blizzards in May!), and I hope these photos bring hope to those who live in colder climes. Warm days are coming!

Follow by Email

About Me

Hi there! I'm the author of THE REVENANT (2011), THE DARK BETWEEN (2013), and GHOSTLIGHT (2015), all from Alfred A. Knopf. I blog a little about writing, but more often about reading, travel, TV and movies. Nothing too serious. Check the links below for more places to find me on the web, or click the banner to return to my website.